Flow Studies for Recycling Metal Commodities in the United States

Aluminum Recycling in the United States in 2000

(Supersedes Open-File Report 2005-1051)

Published 2006
Online only
Version 1.0

By Patricia A. Plunkert

Abstract

As one of a series of reports on metals recycling, this report
discusses the flow of aluminum from production through its uses with particular emphasis on the recycling of industrial scrap (new scrap) and used products (old scrap) in 2000. This materials flow study includes a description of aluminum supply and demand factors for the United States to illustrate the extent of aluminum recycling and to identify recycling trends. Understanding
the system of materials flow from source to ultimate disposition can assist in improving the management of natural resources in a manner that is compatible with sound environmental
practices. In 2000, the old scrap recycling efficiency for aluminum was estimated to be 42 percent. Almost 60 percent of the aluminum that was recycled in 2000 came from new scrap, and the recycling rate was estimated to be 36 percent. The principal source of old scrap was recycled aluminum beverage cans.